Wacken Cake

Name: Wacken Cake
Prep time: P0Y0M0DT0H25M0.000S
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H15M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT2H50M0.000S
Yield: 12 sandwiches
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted; 6 tablespoons cocoa powder; 2 tablespoons baking powder; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract; 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 5 tablespoons canola oil; 3 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate (72 percent), melted and cooled; 1 cup buttermilk; 10 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 vanilla bean, scraped; Pinch kosher salt; 1/8 teaspoon almond extract; Amarena cherries, for serving

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Level: Intermediate
Total: 2 hr 50 min

Prep: 25 min
Inactive: 2 hr 10 min
Cook: 15 min

Yield: 12 sandwiches

Level: Intermediate
Total: 2 hr 50 min

Prep: 25 min
Inactive: 2 hr 10 min
Cook: 15 min

Yield: 12 sandwiches

Ingredients

Cookies:

2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

6 tablespoons cocoa powder

2 tablespoons baking powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup light brown sugar

2 large eggs

5 tablespoons canola oil

3 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate (72 percent), melted and cooled

1 cup buttermilk

Ganache Filling:

10 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped

2 cups heavy cream

1 vanilla bean, scraped

Pinch kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon almond extract

Amarena cherries, for serving

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.
For the cake: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter, extracts and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, and beat until combined. Add the oil and beat until incorporated. Mix in the melted chocolate until well combined. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
Using a 1/4 cup measure, spoon the batter onto the prepared sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake until puffed and set, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Meanwhile, make the ganache: Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a medium saucepan, combine the cream, vanilla and salt. Heat over medium heat until steam rises from the cream (but does not boil). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and cover with plastic. Let stand 10 minutes. Whisk in the almond extract. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours.
To assemble, scoop desired amount of ganache filling onto the flat side of half the cakes. Top each with 2 cherries. Sandwich with the remaining cake halves.

This recipe was provided by a chef, restaurant or culinary professional. It has not been tested for home use.

2011